If you flash back to the first month of the NHL season, the Washington Capitals and Alex Ovechkin were having serious struggles. Now, the Caps are atop the Southeast Division and Ovechkin leads the NHL in goals with 30.

“A month ago I wouldn’t say anybody was saying he hadn’t lost his touch. But we had faith in him,” Oates said. “We knew what he could do. He’s proved it and we’re going as he’s going and he’s playing good right now.”

“Good” is an understatement for how he’s been playing lately. Over his last 15 games, he’s got 27 points including 18 goals. That’s the kind of play you get by a guy eager to get his team in the postseason and earn his way into the MVP discussion.